Spaghetti Squash: 6 Delicious, Kid-Friendly Ways

Every now and again, we get struck with a picky phase that leaves me wondering what to serve with dinner and tempted to make a quick five-o’clock phone call to avoid the constant nagging during dinner. To stop the argument, I was given some great advice the just get through it and offer the vegetables that they are accustomed to, the ones that you’re going to be able to get them to eat. Those picky times? Those aren’t when you’re going to be able to get them to eat Kale salad, purple potatoes or Brussels sprouts.

Spaghetti squash is an easy go-to, with a kid-pleasing flavor. With so many options, you don’t need to cook it plain, or even as a side dish. Here are twelve easy (and delicious) recipes that feature spaghetti squash for an appetizing vegetable option.

Spaghetti Squash with Pesto
Skip, the pesto and use a butter sauce if you’ve got a kid that isn’t in love with pesto. A small spoonful mixed in with a couple of cups of cooked spaghetti squash and topped with parmesan makes a delicious side dish.

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
Make a quick version of your favorite Alfredo or cream sauce. First, cook the squash and remove from the shell of the squash. Replace inside and top with pre-prepared sauce and cheese, cooking just long enough to melt the ingredients and warm the sauce for a delicious alternative to kid-friendly pasta.

Spicy Taco Spaghetti Squash
Bring some spice to your meal, as a perfect side for fajitas (you can do it meatless too) – with this delicious recipe that includes some fantastic flavors to warm up through the winter months.

Spaghetti Squash Pizza
Not only can you make a gluten free pizza crust from Spaghetti squash, but have you considered using it as a topping? Paired with ricotta cheese and lemon, it’s an easy way to take a side dish to the next level and get the kids to try something new (or make yourself a delicious lunch).

Baked Spaghetti + Meat Sauce SquashThese look delicious! If you’re slowly trying to ease in more vegetables with the new year – this would be a great way to start. Baked with sauce and cheese, you could disguise the squash very well in these tiny dishes of delicious + as an added bonus they’re easy and likely you’ll just have to prepare the squash, as the other common ingredients may already be in your fridge.

Spaghetti Squash Fried Rice Make spaghetti squash your simple go-to for the flavors of fried rice, in this recipe that’s going to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Bring the flavors to the squash (after cooking) for an easy meal that can be ready in minutes. Having the squash prepared, and in the fridge, makes this simple and fast recipe a must-have on hand for easy side dishes, and fast lunches.